Michigan weapons impress

September 30, 2006|AL LESAR Tribune Staff Writer

History doesn't elude Lloyd Carr. He's bought into the significance of the Little Brown Jug Trophy, which annually goes to the winner of the Michigan-Wisconsin football game. "It's the history of the trophy that makes it special," said Carr, the Wolverine coach. "It started in 1903, and is the oldest trophy game in college football. At that time, it was the biggest game on each team's schedule. That speaks to the tradition of it." Speaking to the significance of it in 2006, there are bigger games on Michigan's schedule -- but not today. The challenge of going on the road and playing indoors in one of the most unusual facilities to house college football is significant -- not to mention playing a team that felt it should have beaten Purdue last week. "Not to slight coach (Joe) Tiller and Purdue, but we missed some opportunities last week," Minnesota coach Glen Mason said of the Gophers' 27-21 loss to the Boilermakers. "We had a lot of self-inflicted mistakes that were problems." Two weeks ago, it was bruising Alex Daniels who was the featured back in the Minnesota offense. Last week, Amir Pinnix assumed that role by racking up 173 rushing yards against Purdue. "I consider all our backs starters," Mason said. "It doesn't matter to me. Amir played well last week, but they're all going to play (against Michigan)." The Wolverines emerged from a 10-10 halftime tie to beat Wisconsin 27-13 last week. Not only did that win avenge one of last season's setbacks, but it served notice to the rest of the Big Ten that Michigan is emotionally stable. A big win over Notre Dame the week before didn't upset the Wolverines' focus. While running back Mike Hart and quarterback Chad Henne have been solid and have lived up to expectations, it's been receiver Mario Manningham who has stepped forward. After catching three touchdown passes against Notre Dame, the Michigan sophomore earned Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors with seven passes for 113 yards and two scores against the Badgers. "Mario's been able to catch the ball in front of defenders," Carr said. "Occasionally, he's able to get behind the secondary. Mario's not flying under the radar anymore." As for the Michigan defense, which allowed Wisconsin just 12 net rushing yards, Mason's impressed. "They are for real," Mason said. "They're playing 'a cut above' defense. "Their offense, they run better than they have (in the past) and their quarterback and wide receivers will pick you apart. I realize why they're No. 6 (ranking in both polls), if not better."